Aerobic exercise prevents age-dependent cognitive decline and reduces anxiety-related behaviors in middle-aged and old rats

▶We studied the effects of aerobic exercise and age on cognition and behavior in rats. ▶We designed a training that modeled human physical activity throughout life. ▶At 8 and 18 months we examined cognitive performance and anxiety-related behaviors. ▶Aerobic exercise had anxiolytic, restorative, and neuroprotective effects. ▶Chronic exercise effects were time and dose dependent, and modulated by age. 129